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Extended family vacation - France Atlantic Coast

Posted by on

Hello,

As my sister in law will be doing her MBA at INSEAD in Paris this coming year, we are planning an extended family holiday in France this spring. We are from Canada (mainly), 8 adults, a 5 year old and a one year old.

We have been recommended the Atlantic Coast as it is more low key but still close to the sea (but open to other suggestions). Looking at AirBNB there do seem to be good options for house rentals.

For background, I speak French fairly fluently and have been to France 4 times but never the Atlantic Coast. We were looking at Hossegor, and there are some options close by, but a very good looking house for our family is situated in Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains. It is about a 18 minute drive to Hossegor from this smaller town, but it appears there are bakeries, restaurants and groceries walking distance from Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains. Anyways, never having been to the area before I am not sure if it is better to be a little out of town (we will rent cars - but is parking difficult in Hossegor, Biarritz, etc.), or walking distance to a bigger town. Any advice on the area appreciated. We will be there about 2 weeks.

Thanks,

Rose

Posted by
7303 posts

Vieux Boucau is quite pleasant, but there is less to do and it has far less charm than Hossegor. Vieux Boucau should be much cheaper though. If you can afford Hossegor, that's what I would pick. Nearby Capbreton and Seignosse are good options too, usually slightly cheaper than Hossegor.
Be careful though: the surf is dangerous, especially at high tide. I almost drowned as a teenager in Hossegor after getting knocked out by someone who was tumbling in the waves... With small kids, the lake beaches are a good option for bathing.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks Balso, this is helpful. The house is not cheaper; just nicer! But I think location is likely more important. Thanks also for the note on the surf - good to know.

I am also open to suggestions of other young-family-friendly destinations in France that are close to the sea and not too ritzy.

Posted by
3990 posts

Speaking of the surf, Hossegor is the surfing capital of France. I have an acquaintance who is making his way to surfing spots all over the globe and he raved about the waves at Hossegor. Here is the article on it that got him started in case you have any surfers in your crew.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks JHK! My husband and I surf and will likely spend at least one day in the waves, but of course not the main focus of the trip with the little ones 😊

Posted by
5 posts

Hi Rose,
My in laws live in Seignosse and we visit them a few weeks each year. This is a very pleasant area and we have also enjoyed some nice day trips to biarritz, basque country, etc.

In July and August it can be very crowded and difficult to park in Hossegar but when we have gone in other times it is not. Many people will bike around anyways.

Tlike others said, the ocean can have some currents so not great for the inexperienced swimmers like me but the lake is nice for swimming and paddleboarding.

we went in May last year and some of the beach bars weren't open as they are just open for summer season. I don't recall any restaurants/stores etc in the towns being closed though.

Hope you enjoy your trip. I am looking forward to my trip down to seignosse this Christmas:)

Jessica

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